University of Phoenix Survey Finds About Half of US Adults can Define the True Meaning of Memorial Day

For many Americans, Memorial Day signifies the unofficial start of summer, a three-day weekend of backyard barbecues and holiday sales. While the holiday can be a much-needed vacation or a chance to spend time with family and friends, its intended purpose is to honor military members who gave their life serving in the armed forces. A new University of Phoenix survey discovers that many U.S. adults could be losing sight of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

According to the survey, only 55% of respondents described Memorial Day as a holiday honoring the men and women who died serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Americans most often confused Memorial Day with Veterans Day, a holiday to thank living veterans for their sacrifice.

More than one in four (27%) described Memorial Day as a holiday honoring all military veterans. As a result of the survey, the University hopes to encourage Americans to remember fallen service members this holiday. 

“While most Americans recognize that Memorial Day is a military holiday, it is important to understand that it is a solemn day of remembrance. For me, as a combat veteran, and for military members and their families, this day holds great significance. Not everyone I served with was fortunate enough to return home,” said Brian Ishmael, senior director, University of Phoenix Office of Military and Veteran Affairs and former U.S. Army sergeant. “We should enjoy Memorial Day, but we must also ensure that future generations understand and remember the sacrifices made protecting our freedoms.”

Additional survey findings show that despite most Americans having ties to the military, the meaning of Memorial Day may be slowly eroding with each passing generation. More than three in five (63%) U.S. adults have themselves or have immediate family members who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

However, only 46% of adults aged 18-34 identified the correct meaning of Memorial Day versus 58% of 45 to 64 year-olds. Adults aged 65 and over were most likely to cite it as a day of honoring those who died serving in the Armed Forces (65%). 

SOURCE: University of Phoenix, 4025 S. Riverpoint Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85040

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